The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue Canada, Remarks on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s preliminary decision to impose countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber from certain products, April 25, 2017

Thank you Minister Carr, and good afternoon everyone.

As Minister Carr just said, our Government strongly disagrees with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to impose countervailing duties of 19.88 percent on softwood lumber products from a number of Canadian provinces, including Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and British Columbia.

This action is baseless and unfounded and we will vigorously fight it through litigation. Previous U.S. claims for duties have always been found to be without basis and we expect that to be the case, again, this time.

Several of my fellow ministers have been in communication with their provincial counterparts over the past few months on this issue.

Our government will continue to work tirelessly with our provincial partners to defend and support forest workers and the industry as a whole.

We will continue to work on all fronts: seeking a good deal with the Americans, challenging the decision in appropriate forums, supporting workers and industry, and diversifying markets.

I come from a region where the forest industry affects many families. I recognize that this sector is important to communities across the country. Canadians can count on our government to defend them.

Our Government will continue to stand up for Canada’s softwood lumber industry, its workers and their communities. Thank you.